Cape Verdean Prime Minister Pays Visit To New Bedford

NEW BEDFORD - Cape Verde Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva made a stop in the Whaling City and spoke with Mayor Jon Mitchell on Wednesday as part of his trip to the United States.

The two discussed the city's fishing fleet, the offshore wind energy project, and U.S.-Cape Verde relations before taking a tour of the harbor. Mayor Mitchell highlighted New Bedford's fishing fleet before taking the Prime Minister over to the Marine Commerce Terminal to discuss the offshore wind energy project.

Prior to the tour, Mitchell and Silva spoke to the media about the special connection Cape Verde shares with New Bedford and its dense population of Verdean people.

Speaking through a translator, Prime Minister Silva spoke about Cape Verde's long-lasting ties with New Bedford and says the relationship has even helped improve connections between the country and the U.S.

“We have more than 200 years of a relationship with the United States, particularly in cities where our people are established, particularly in New Bedford,” Silva said. “The whaling industry still touches us and the Whaling Museum mean of symbolism to Cabo Verde.”

Mayor Mitchell also spoke with Silva about potential business opportunities between the city and Cape Verde in the fishing and shipping industry, among others.

“There are significant business opportunities here that are untapped between Cabo Verde and New Bedford, especially in fish processing,” said Mitchell.

Silva stopped by New Bedford after spending time in Washington D.C. in meetings with the U.S. Department of State. The Cape Verde Ambassador to the United States also joined the brief meeting.